FG directs all workers to resume Monday
Approves football restart, bars fans
The Federal Government yesterday directed all workers hitherto asked to stay off duty to resume on Monday.
The Secretary the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced this in Abuja at the briefing of the taskforce.
He said this was part of the PTF recommendations approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Until yesterday, only grade level 12 workers and above were allowed to work.
He also said that only the FCT and Lagos had achieved the target of testing one percent of its population; while 26 states were yet to test
to up to 25 percent rate.
He said much as the world was coming to terms with the new normal, emerging statistics indicated that Nigerians still had to be cautious and vigilant by taking responsibility due to the second wave of the virus in many parts of the globe.
He said: “The PTF however noted the huge challenge posed to our national response by states as a result of poor engagement which manifests strongly in the form of low level of sample collection across the country.
“After a very careful review of the national response, the PTF believes that while recent numbers point to a likely flattening of the curve consistent with emerging epidemic control, Nigeria is not yet ready for a fullreopening of the economy.”
He said Buhari approved that Nigeria further relaxe the restrictions in this third phase of the response, while maintaining key limitations to curb the risk of a spike in cases.
He said: “The major changes proposed by the PTF are gradual and safe reopening of schools and NYSC camps; re-commencement of sporting leagues, in particular all outdoor activities such as football; sustaining the midnight to 4am curfew on movement nationwide; and removal of the limitation on civil servants allowed to come to work.”
PTF National Coordinator Dr Sani Aliyu said the lifting of restriction on outdoor sporting activities including football was in line with earlier consultations with the Federal Ministry of Youth Sport Development and the NCDC.
He, however, said this was limited to the actual sport itself, not with mass gatherings.
He said mass gathering, including at sport events, was still restricted as this represent an opportunity for the virus to spread with an increased rate of a second wave.
He said: “For gatherings in enclosed places, this will continue to be limited to only 50 persons with physical distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks except for workplaces.”
He said the closure of night bars and clubs was retained to prevent escalation of cases of COVID-19 in the country.